Juan Oubina 2017
The founder and creative director of o1-agency, Juan Oubiña, hopes the decision by Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods to restrict gun and ammunition sales at their stores following the Parkland high school shooting that left 17 dead, is not just a planned marketing gimmick but an action taken for humanitarian reasons. “It’s striking and also sad that some influential brands in certain areas are starting to do what irresponsible and corrupt politicians don´t. Another thing that drew my attention was that the sports stores’ stocks rose the day they made the announcement. I don´t think that would have happened a few years ago, and I also think it’s a positive change,” Oubiña said. Walmart said in a statement that the big-box store is a step ahead of U.S. gun legislation. “Of course it’s clear that engaging in politics isn’t what these brands are all about, and though today some of us celebrate these decisions, we might not agree with others they make in the future. So let´s hope the political class finally realizes it can´t keep playing deaf to this tragedy, and that specific measures will be taken to solve this terrible problem once and for all,” Oubiña said. Walmart only sells weapons and ammunition to people over 21. Dick’s Sporting Goods will not sell weapons like the AK-15 assault rifle used in the Parkland shooting, and has increased the age for buying any firearm to 21.
